Storage · medium

How to fixDISK-WRITE-PROTECT-ERROR

Disk write protection error

What this error means

DISK-WRITE-PROTECT-ERROR is a medium-severity storage drive (SSD/HDD) problem. Windows cannot write to the disk due to write protection. This can occur on USB drives with physical write-protect switches, SSDs with failed controllers entering read-only mode as a self-protection mechanism, or drives with incorrect registry settings. The disk appears operational but all write operations fail silently or with error 0x80070013. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Use instructions for your exact device and software version. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Check for physical write-protect switch on device
  1. Check for physical write-protect switch on device
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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02Remove write protection via diskpart
  1. Remove write protection via diskpart
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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03Update SSD firmware
  1. Update SSD firmware
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

  • SSD controller entering protection mode
  • USB write-protect switch enabled
  • Registry write-protect flag set